Depression descrimnation??

Question

About 6months ago these people came to my school about being an Au Pair in USA for a gap year. I was interested straight away because I love kids. But i read the forms we were given and it said you will not be accepted if you have depression or have a history of depression. I had depression 2years ago and I'm nearly all better now. This made me really angry and i regret going to the doctor for my depression now. I'm from New Zealand. I have to have a medical check up to be accepted and a doctor cant lie.

Is there anyway you can get around this rule? Or has anyone experenced anything like this?

Thanks. I don't want to lie. Because i could get myself and the doctor in a lot of trouble. I just don't see how it is fair, i am trying to move on and get on with my life but i was turned down for an exchange for the same reason.

I HAD depression- 2years ago! I am not on any medication at the moment. My counsellor told me that I was fine now and I didn't need medication anymore or see him. I can understand why they wouldn't want someone with depression but i am all better

Answer 1

It sounds really unfair -- it's something I worry about in my own life, in fact. But I get where they're coming from. You know what you're like when your depression is at its worst: do you think you're capable of taking care of a small child in that state? You know you're almost better, but the strangers hiring you don't, and they have to worry about their children.

The only thing I can think of to get around the rule is to get your checkup from a different doctor and just not tell him/her about the depression -- but I *really* do NOT recommend that. Instead, look into other au pair agencies. Maybe there's one that doesn't have that requirement.

Good luck, both with your illness and your travels.

Answer 2

it does have some feeling of discrimination but the parents want to be reassured that the person they hire will be less likely to have issues distracting them from their job. Depression can reoccur, so please watch for symptoms. Being far from home, and in a stressful situation, it could be more likely to reoccur.
Many people need treatment for longer than 2 years.
Perhaps a private arrangement for an au pair type job would be less restrictive than the company which has stringent rules. It seems the doctor could state you have no CURRENT depression and that would be correct and not a lie.
.....I have heard foreign adoptions of Chinese kids is also restricted to people who are not being treated/have been for depression or those who are morbidly obese.
Good luck

Answer 3

Yes, without a doubt you should lie about it. It won't get the doctor in any trouble, and will only get you into trouble if you have mental problems while overseas. (and if that occurs, what they think of you will be irrelevant, you'll just be wanting to get better).

In Australia, they ask all sorts of questions on employment applications that you do not actually HAVE to answer. Employers just want to cover their own ass, your primary concern should be to do the same.

It comes down to one thing - are you confident that you can withstand the stressors of travel, au pair work, and livings somewhere different? If you can, then do what it takes to get there, if not, don't!!!!

Take care, keep smiling
Jeremy.

Answer 4

As much as I would like to say lie about it, it's just wrong. Are you on medication? Alot of places require drug testing and they would find anti depressants in your system if you are on medication for depression. Be honest if it's an issue that has been resolved or is being treated, perhaps if you continue any medication or therapy there it would be acceptable. You never know til you try.

Answer 5

You don't "get around" it, that is what they are asking for and if you don't qualify, you shouldn't submit the application.

If I had children, I would want someone that isn't on meds for depression, like so many people are these days. It can impare your judgement along with other problems. They don't want to deal with someone who will be a problem to them, they want someone who will take care of their kids.

Like it or not, that's the way it is. And no, you did the right thing by getting help for your depression. This is an unusual application, but as I said, it is their wish for an AuPair to not have depression and they are the boss here. Just throw away the application and move on.

Answer 6

You should be happy your almost fully better. I still have full blown depression and got fired because of it . Good paying job with 17 years . But my lawyer is taking care of it I hope.

Answer 7

wow.... i had to think alot about this... what i came up with, is that switch to a different doctor... try saying that you haven't been to the doctor in a few years, but you just got a doctor, which is the new one you're with. but be very careful, i think too much lying might lead into trouble!! i understand how you feel about this, and i wish u the best of luck with this situation. :-)

Answer 8

Go to a new doctor and get him to do your evaluation for you. Dont let him know anything about your diagnosis, and dont tell him about any medication you might have been on. Just let him examine you and let him do your check up. Everything will be fine.

Answer 9

Why do you keep asking this same question? As I said before, I do not think you should be taking care of children. Your actions here alone proves you are unstable. Asking people if you should lie about it? WOW, not smart, not good and not right!

Answer 10

uhhh...woah. they can't discriminate about that. that's right see a lawyer!!

maybe if you go to the doctor and the doctor sees you are not depressed, he will write a note saying you're not depressed.